Art by Wendy paintings, crafts, and other handmade items

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Mini Book Necklaces and Keychains Tutorial

This is a project I have been working on for awhile now! I got the idea from a blog I love Altered Alchemy . She makes beautiful necklaces and books that are so incredible I really wanted to try to make some myself! So this is my version and it's not nearly as ornate but I think they turned out really well for my first try! They are going to be Christmas presents for my sister ,daughter, niece, and a couple of ladies I work with. (I think it's safe to post this now) Well here is a breakdown of how I made these little books:

First I took an old scrapbook and tore the pages into 1.25" x 3.25" strips, folded a stack of four strips in half and sewed the spine with thread, and grouped four of these together. I used a clothespin to keep them in groups

Then I took a piece of card stock and cut it 1.25" x 4.00" and made a fan fold in the middle.

I used glue to attach each of the paper sections into the fan fold.

I measured out some scrap leather I found at Hobby Lobby for covers. they need to be just a little bit bigger than the book pages.

I used my crop-a-dile to make holes and put grommets in the leather. Then I glued the covers onto the paper stacks. Be careful with the glue! I almost glued one book shut from too much glue oozing out onto the pages!

I searched through my jewelry stash to find things that might work on the cover. some were too big and may have to wait for a bigger book!

These two are not quite done yet but I have the pieces picked out to go on them

This is the one I made for my sister Maria. I put some stained paper with some words on it under the key hole and added an old looking key to the chain. I also added some gold stamping around the edges and back after these pictures were taken.

This one is for my daughter Jessi.I'm not even sure what that metal piece is..I found it in a junk drawer and it just seemed to fit!

This is the back of one of the ones for the ladies at work, you can just see the little tooth brush peeking down in the pic...yes I work at a dentist office! I just couldn't resist when I saw these little silver tooth brushes on Ebay!

Well, they are all wrapped up and ready for Christmas! This was a really fun project and I'm sure I will think of new things to do with these little books in the future!

Oh my gosh !!!! This looks amazing !!! What a talent you have Wendy. I'll bet these Christmas gifts will bring much joy to the receiver !!***********Wishing you from my side of the world a very cozy christmas time !!Rian.

WOW!!!!!I've just added this tutorial to my Popular list, and I'll be back once the holidays are over to learn more.As a rabid fan of book-making of all kinds, I thought your take on this process to be ingenious and elegant. LOVE the keyhole!Also wanted to stop by briefly to let you know our game board is only a temporary post. If you like it free, we suggest you get it now, as it's only up as a market test.Happy Holidays to you from us!Rose

HOW CUTE!!! I love how each one is so itsy bitsy and different. Easy to make personal too..Thanks so much for sharing them with us! maybe I need to go and find the materials I need and try some!Blessings,Doni

Hi Wendy,We're so glad you joined our Linky party last we. We featured your fabulous post and it was a big hit. Feel free to come by and grab a featured button, and link up each week.Best wishes for the new year!Hugs,Patti

hi Wendy :)these are wonderful!! i love the little innovation you did with the inside spine of the books :) it's so funny ... i saw this tut being pinned on pinterest and thought your books look lovely so i came in to the blog and then ... ((O_O)) saw Altered Alchemy mentioned!! my heart made a little jolt LOL!! thank you for the mention ... i so appreciate it! these would make lovely gifts and i am sure the receivers are all delighted! i know i would be :)xoxoxoLuthien :)

Wow. I was looking all over the place for some of those pre-made tiny books and can't find them anywhere. Then I looked around for tutorials and yours was definitely the BEST. Thank you for this. I can't wait to get going on them.

Wendy, LUV these! I have been ruminating on a way to turn postcards into book format. I really like how you did the 'accordian' fold on the spine. I've got washi tape ordered and hopefully will get inspired to actually create something book looking!ha! It's hard for me to get away from the digital world into the 'actually do this' world:)

Hi There Wendy, what a gorgeous project,i am going to do some myself.You didn't know what the piece of metal was on your Jessi's book, well i can tell you it is part of an old door handle.I still have these on my bedroom doors.Hope this clears up the mystery for you.Keep well.Rosie.x

To make these mini book Layered Necklaces gather these supplies: one sheet of paper (I used Wausau stationery), a small paint brush, scissors, super/scrim, PVA glue, linen thread, bees wax, silk head bands, leather, decorative paper, a sewing needle, an awl, two jump rings, a silk cord, a charm, and a short bit of lace.

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About Me

I am a mixed media artist who dabbles in Steampunk. I'm a Star Wars geek and an avid reader.I have recently become certified as a librarian after a long year of classes and hope to work at my hometown library full time someday. I love blogging and swaps and all of the people I have met through blogging!